Blanket Backpack

ABSTRACT

The blanket backpack is used to easily transport and secure a blanket to a wearer. The blanket backpack comprises a backpack and an attached blanket, with straps and arms. It also includes a mattress pad and a pillow. The blanket is stored inside the backpack when not in use. To use the blanket, the backpack unzips to allow the blanket to be unfolded. The straps are unsnapped from the backpack, then threaded through slits in the blanket, then snapped back into place. This reversal of the straps allows the user to wear the blanket like a backpack, securing it in place. Arms extending from the straps have a hook-and-loops fastener which is used to attach the arms to each other or the straps and further secure the blanket backpack to the wearer.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 61/503,763 filed on Jul. 01, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for a blanket backpack. More specifically, the apparatus stores an attached blanket in a backpack, and transforms to a wearable blanket with straps to keep the blanket from separating away from the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children frequently roll around in their sleep. This results in blankets separating away from the child. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a blanket that will not separate from the child when they sleep and which can be conveniently stored in a backpack (to which it is attached) during times of non-use. The present invention provides peace of mind to parents who worry that their children are not covered by their blankets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention with the backpack closed and a pillow, represented by broken lines, in one of the pockets.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention with the backpack closed.

FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention with the arms being detached from each other.

FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention with the backpack being unzipped.

FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention with the blanket unfolded.

FIG. 6 is a view of the present invention depicting the front panel folded into the first pocket.

FIG. 7 is a view of the present invention with the straps threaded through the slits.

FIG. 8 is a view of the present invention with a snap fastener being reattached to a snap fastener receptacle.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a person wearing the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a person wearing the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the folded mattress pad.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the unfolded mattress pad.

FIG. 13 is a view of the present invention with a decoration.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the present invention comprises a backpack 1, a blanket 2, and a plurality of pockets having a first pocket 3 and further pockets 4. The further pockets include a left side pocket (located on the left side panel of the backpack), a right pocket (located on the right side panel of the backpack), and a front pocket (located on the front of the backpack, attached to the front panel). The backpack 1 comprises a front panel 11, a back panel 12, a zipper 13, a first strap 14, and a second strap 15. The blanket 2 comprises a center 21 and a plurality of slits 22, as seen in FIG. 5. The center 21 is attached to the back panel 12 of the backpack 1 and forms a first pocket 3 between the back panel 12 and the blanket 2, shown in FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment the center 21 is sewn (leaving space for a first pocket 3 on one side) to the back panel 12, attached by stitching on three sides of the backpack, but other embodiments can affix the blanket 2 in other ways. For example, the center 21 could be attached by a hooks-and-loops fastener, buttons, snap buttons, or glue. The front panel 11 is attached to the back panel 12 adjacent to the first pocket 3, so that (when unzipped) the front panel 11 may be tucked into the first pocket 3, being stored between the blanket 2 and the back panel 12. The front panel and back panel are attached at one attached end, adjacent to the first pocket formed by the stitching which connects the center of the blanket to the back panel. There are matching teeth on the front panel and the back panel which can be zipped and unzipped by a zipper 13. The zipper 13 connects the front panel 11 and back panel 12 where the front panel 11 is not directly attached to the back panel 12. When the backpack 1 is shut, the blanket 2 is stored inside the backpack 1, between the front panel 11 and the rear panel. The first strap 14 and the second strap 15 each comprise a first end 16, a second end 17, and an arm 18 (FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 7). The first end 16 of the first strap 14 and the first end 16 of the second strap 15 are attached to the backpack 1. In the preferred embodiment these are sewn on, but as with the blanket 2, other embodiments could use other methods (e.g. hooks-and-loops fastener, glue) to attach the first end 16 to the backpack 1.

The second end 17, which is located opposite the first end 16, comprises a plurality of snap fasteners 171. The snap fasteners 171 are sized to snap into a plurality of snap fastener receptacles 5 which are attached to the backpack 1, on the opposite end of the backpack 1 where the first end 16 is attached. That is, if where the first end 16 is attached is the “top”, then the snap fastener receptacles 5 would be attached at the “bottom”. FIG. 8 shows a snap fastener 171 being connected to a snap fastener receptacle 5 through a slit 22. The arms 18 comprise an interior end 181 and a free end 182. The interior ends 181 are attached to the first strap 14 and the second strap 15. Attached to the first strap 14, the second strap 15, and the arms 18 (along the interior ends 181, the free ends 182, or across the entire arm 18) are a plurality of adhesive bands 6. The arms 18 extended from the center 21 piece wrap around a person's body and are secured by bringing the free ends 182 together, allowing the adhesive bands 6 to connect to each other (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10). The adhesive bands 6 can be connected to each other at any location, creating an adjustable circumference of a chest strap created by the arms 18. The chest strap could be adapted for different body types easily by adjusting where the adhesive bands 6 are attached to each other. For people with small torsos, the adhesive bands 6 on the free ends 182 could attach to the adhesive bands 6 on the first strap 14 and second strap 15, providing a secure fit. For people with larger torsos, the adhesive bands 6 on the free ends 182 could attach to each other, which would afford the larger wearer more space. In the aforementioned instance, the adhesive band on the first strap 14 and the second strap 15 would go unused. In this manner, the center 21 and the arms 18 secure the present invention to the user. The preferred embodiment only comprises a single arm 18 for each strap, but other embodiments could incorporate multiple arms 18 on each strap. Multiple arms 18 on each strap would afford a user a more secure fit. These adhesive bands 6 can attach to each other, combining with the straps to secure the present invention to a wearer. Specifically, the free ends 182 would connect across a wearer's torso, forming a chest strap. In the preferred embodiment, these adhesive bands 6 are a hooks-and-loops fastener, but other embodiments can use other methods. For example, they could comprise a plurality of buttons and button holes, with the width being adjustable based on which button hole is used (similar to how a belt can be adjusted based on which notch is used). Whatever alternative method is used, the ease of use should be kept in mind. A hooks-and-loops fastener is extremely easy to attach and detach. Alternatives should strive to be just as user friendly.

In addition to storing the blanket 2, the backpack 1 also serves as storage for a mattress 7 comprising a plurality of square pads 71 and a plurality of connectors 72. The plurality of connectors 72 are attached to the plurality of square pads 71 at each edge. The connectors 72 should be made of a flexible material (fabric in the preferred embodiment) which allows the plurality of square pads 71 to be stacked upon each other for storage, or laid out flat to serve as a sleeping mat (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). The square pads 71 should be constructed from a material that is soft enough to sleep on while being sturdy enough to give some support.

Attached to the backpack 1 are further pockets 4. A pillow 8 is stored in one of the further pockets 4, the front pocket in the preferred embodiment. The other further pockets 4 (the right pocket and the left pocket) could be used to hold a gown, sleeper, or other items which might be useful for various occasions. For example, if the present invention is used at a sleep over, the further pockets 4 could be used to store toiletries or a change of clothes. Also attached to the backpack 1 is a handle 9, which can be used as an alternative way to carry the backpack 1 (the other way being wearing the first strap 14 and second strap 15 over the shoulders). A decoration 10 can also be attached to the backpack 1 (FIG. 13). The decoration 10 could be small or large, and designed for the appropriate demographic. For children, the decoration 10 could be a cute character (such as a frog) with appendages extending from the backpack 1. For adults, the decoration 10 could be a patch or decal, such as a motorcycle patch or peace symbol decal.

The present invention functions as follows. In the storage state, FIGS. 1 and 2, the blanket 2 and mattress 7 pad (FIG. 5) are folded and stored inside (not visible in FIGS. 1 and 2) the closed backpack 1, between the front panel 11 and the back panel 12. As seen in FIG. 1, the pillow 8 (represented by dashed lines) is stored in one of the further pockets 4. The first strap 14 and second strap 15 are secured by their snap fasteners 171 to the snap fastener receptacles 5 on the backpack 1. To deploy the backpack 1, a series of steps must be followed. First, the pillow 8 and any other items stored in the further pockets 4 should be removed. Then the backpack 1 should be opened by unzipping the zipper 13. When the backpack 1 is unzipped, remove the mattress 7 pad and unfold the blanket 2 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). Unfold the mattress 7 pad (FIG. 13). The mattress 7 comprises a plurality of square pads 71 and a plurality of connectors 72. There are rows and columns of square pads 71, the amount of which can vary depending on the size of the square pads and whether the mattress is intended for a young child, teen, or adult. Fewer rows and columns or smaller square pads 71 can be used for smaller people, while the size of the square pads 71 or the number of rows and columns can be increased for bigger people. When determining the size and amount of square pads 71, the space available in the backpack should be kept in mind. If the square pads 71 are too large or if there are too many of them, they will not be able to be stored in the backpack. The connectors 72 allow the square pads 71 to be folded by row and column. For example, if there are two columns and five rows of square pads in an open state, they would fold as follows. First, the two columns would be folded together, such that there would be one column of five rows (with each row consisting of two square pads 71 stacked on each other). The rows would then be progressively folded over each other until there is a single row and column (that is, all the square pads 71 are stacked on each other). Unfolding would simply be the reverse of the above procedure. The above procedure is just to give a general idea; a person could choose to fold rows together first, then fold the columns. The connectors 72 keep the square pads 71 connected while still allowing them to easily be folded into a stack, or unfolded into a mattress 7, regardless of which order the square pads 71 are folded or unfolded. After the mattress 7 is unfolded, place the pillow 8 on it. Then continue with the blanket 2. The front panel 11 of the backpack 1, which has been unzipped and is only attached to one edge of the bottom panel, should be folded into the first pocket 3 (between the back panel 12 and the blanket 2, refer to FIG. 6). After this, unsnap the second end 17 of the first strap 14 from the snap fastener receptacle. Take the second end 17, and thread the first strap 14 through the slit located closest to the first end 16 of the first strap 14. The first strap 14 will now be on the same side as the blanket 2 and on the opposite side of the back panel 12. Take the second end 17 of the first strap 14, and thread it through the slit located closest to the snap fastener receptacle the second end 17 was first attached to. Snap the second end 17 back into place in the snap fastener receptacle. At this point, the first strap 14 will be on the side of the blanket 2, while the second strap 15 will be on the side of the back panel 12. Repeat the steps for the first strap 14 with the second strap 15. At this point, both straps will be on the same side of the backpack 1 as the blanket 2 (FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). The user then puts their arms 18 through the holes of the first strap 14 and second strap 15, with the blanket 2 resting across the back of the user. The final step is to secure the arms 18 of the blanket 2, by attaching the adhesive bands 6 to each other to create a comfortable fit (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10). For a looser fit, attach the adhesive bands 6 of the arms 18 to each other. For a tighter fit, attach the adhesive bands 6 of the arms 18 to the adhesive band of the opposite strap (e.g. the adhesive band on the arm 18 of the first strap 14 attaches to the adhesive band on the second strap 15). The deployed state of the backpack 1 is represented in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, showing part of the blanket 2.

The present invention's intended age range is 2-10, but any person may use the present invention as long as the blanket 2 is large enough to cover the person and the arms 18 are long enough to wrap around the person.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. A blanket backpack comprises, a backpack comprises a front panel, a back panel, a zipper, a first strap, and a second strap; a first strap comprises a first end, a second end, and an arm; a second strap comprises the first end, the second end, and the arm; the first strap being attached to the backpack; the second strap being attached to the backpack; a blanket; and a plurality of pockets having a first pocket and further pockets.
 2. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the blanket comprises a center and a plurality of slits; the center being attached to the back panel; the center forming the first pocket with the back panel; the zipper connecting the front panel and the back panel; the front panel being connected to the back panel adjacent to the first pocket; the plurality of slits being positioned adjacent to the backpack; and the blanket being stored in the backpack.
 3. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a plurality of snap fastener receptacles being attached to the backpack; and a handle being attached to the backpack.
 4. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the first end being attached to the backpack; the second end comprising a plurality of snap fasteners; and the plurality of snap fasteners being sized to snap into the plurality of snap fastener receptacles.
 5. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the arm comprises an interior end and a free end; the interior end being attached to the first strap; and the interior end being attached to the second strap.
 6. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 4 comprises, the second end being positioned opposite the first end.
 7. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 5 comprises, a plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the first strap; the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the second strap; and the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the free end.
 8. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the first strap being positioned to face the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the second strap.
 9. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a pillow; and a mattress comprising a plurality of square pads and a plurality of connectors.
 10. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 9 comprises, the further pockets being attached to the backpack; the pillow being stored in the plurality of pockets; the mattress being stored in the backpack; the plurality of connectors being laterally attached to the plurality of square pads; and the plurality of square pads being connected to each other by the plurality of connectors.
 11. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 1 comprises, a decoration attached to the backpack.
 12. A blanket backpack comprises, a backpack comprises a front panel, a back panel, a zipper, a plurality of pockets having a first pocket and further pockets, a first strap, and a second strap; a first strap comprises a first end, a second end, and an arm; a second strap comprises the first end, the second end, and the arm; the arm comprises an interior end and a free end; a blanket; the blanket comprises a center and a plurality of slits; the center being attached to the back panel; the center forming the first pocket with the back panel; the zipper connecting the front panel and the back panel; the front panel being connected to the back panel adjacent to the first pocket; the plurality of slits being positioned adjacent to the backpack; the blanket being stored in the backpack; the first strap being attached to the backpack; and the second strap being attached to the backpack.
 13. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 12 comprises, a plurality of snap fastener receptacles being attached to the backpack; a handle being attached to the backpack; and a decoration attached to the backpack.
 14. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 12 comprises, the first end being attached to the backpack; the second end comprising a plurality of snap fasteners; the plurality of snap fasteners being sized to snap into the plurality of snap fastener receptacles; the interior end being attached to the first strap; the interior end being attached to the second strap; and the second end being positioned opposite the first end.
 15. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 14 comprises, a plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the first strap; the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the second strap; the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the free end; and the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the first strap being positioned to face the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the second strap.
 16. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 12 comprises, a pillow; and a mattress comprising a plurality of square pads and a plurality of connectors.
 17. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 16 comprises, the further pockets being attached to the backpack; the pillow being stored in the plurality of pockets; the mattress being stored in the backpack; the plurality of connectors being laterally attached to the plurality of square pads; and the plurality of square pads being connected to each other by the plurality of connectors.
 18. A blanket backpack comprises, a backpack comprises a front panel, a back panel, a zipper, a plurality of pockets having a first pocket and further pockets, a plurality of snap fasteners, a first strap, and a second strap; the plurality of snap fastener receptacles being attached to the backpack; a first strap comprises a first end, a second end, and an arm; a second strap comprises the first end, the second end, and the arm; the first end being attached to the backpack; the arm comprises an interior end and a free end; the interior end being attached to the first strap; the interior end being attached to the second strap; a blanket comprises a center and a plurality of slits; the center being attached to the back panel; the center forming the first pocket with the back panel; the zipper connecting the front panel and the back panel; the front panel being connected to the back panel adjacent to the first pocket; the plurality of slits being positioned adjacent to the backpack; the blanket being stored in the backpack; the first strap being attached to the blanket; the second strap being attached to the backpack; a pillow; and a mattress comprising a plurality of square pads and a plurality of connectors.
 19. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 18 comprises, the second end comprising a plurality of snap fasteners; the plurality of snap fasteners being sized to snap into the plurality of snap fastener receptacles; the second end being positioned opposite the first end; a plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the first strap; the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the second strap; the plurality of adhesive bands being attached to the free end; and the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the first strap facing the plurality of adhesive bands on the arm of the second strap.
 20. The blanket backpack as claimed in claim 18 comprises, the further pockets being attached to the backpack; the pillow being stored in the plurality of pockets; the mattress being stored in the backpack; the plurality of connectors being laterally attached to the plurality of square pads; the plurality of square pads being connected to each other by the plurality of connectors. a handle being attached to the backpack; and a decoration attached to the backpack. 